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First Church of Jerusalem

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All Are Needed

Each has a part to play

Unlike some churches of later centuries, every member was seen as playing a vital part in the life of the Christian church as a whole. The body analogy of 1 Corinthians 12 well expresses the culture of the first century church. Parts may differ in function, but all have a helpful and necessary part to play, under the Headship of Christ. Both the ‘humblest’ member and the ‘highest’ member were to daily listen to Yeshua and follow His directions diligently and faithfully. This was, and is, the central New Testament teaching of the priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 1:6). Underthe new covenant, every believer has direct access to God through Christ, who is the one High Priest (Hebrews 4:14–16). This radically redefines leadership and ministry, not as restricted to a select class or category, but as shared by all who are in Christ. Interestingly, this principle both theocratises and democratises ministry, expanding the impact of Christ’s Headship, and including the whole Christian constituency in the active expansion of the movement. In this original first century model, every believer is encouraged to engage actively in the work of the Kingdom, contributing their gifts and skills to the building up of the Body in love (Romans 12:4–8; 1 Corinthians 12:7). When did you last have a ‘rain check’ on your own role? Why not have a brief review today.

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